TALKING POINTS ABOVE: Athens Asian American Alliance members Galia Williams, Yi-Ting Wang, Fan Jiang and Noriko Kantake.
CONNECTING CULTURES The Athens Asian American Alliance works to bring visibility and history STORY BY MOLLY POWERS | PHOTOS BY EMMA STEFANICK
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hen Fan Jiang, an Athens city resident of 14 Jiang, in collaboration with Yi-Ting Wang and years, was faced with a death threat directed Noriko Kantake, founded the Athens Asian American at one of her children last school year, she Alliance. turned to the city school board for a thorough “We felt like we just needed a place where all people investigation. with Asian heritage in Athens can feel safe and can connect Backed by Jiang and supporters, the Athens City with each other and empower each other,” says Jiang. “We School District Board of Education unanimously passed a also felt like, if we have an organization like that, we could resolution to provide support and inclusivity for members help other families that face similar challenges down the of the Asian American and Pacific Islander, or AAPI, road.” communities in April. The resolution speaks of celebrating AAAA’s mission is “to engage in community Athens students of diverse identities and condemns “hate services and inclusion, advocate and support for social speech, racism, and all forms of discrimination.” justice, and provide belonging and friendship, for all with A May 2021 report from the Center for the Study AAPI heritage at Ohio University, Athens area schools and of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San communities.” Bernardino, found that hate crimes against Asians went up Not only does AAAA want to engage with fellow 164% that year across 16 of the U.S.’s biggest cities. With the residents of Athens and surrounding areas, but they increase of anti-Asian crimes and prejudice camealso a flood want of to be a resource for Ohio University Athens’ activism, organizations and resources contributing toward international students and faculty as well. the support, aid and increased visibility of members of AAPI Jiang also hopes for more connection between the university communities. and Athens’ residents.
24 | WINTER/SPRING 2022
